By Kepha Muiruri For Citizen Digital
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has assured of adequate stocks amidst reports of scarcity in parts of the country including North Rift and Western Kenya.
“We assure the public that there are enough fuel supplies in the country and that there should be no cause of panic,” noted the energy sector regulator.
According to EPRA, the shortage has been occasioned by unseen logistical constraints which have seen independent petroleum dealers run out of petroleum stocks.
However, the independent dealers tell a different tale as they attribute their woes to the more established oil marketing companies (OMCs) who participate in direct oil imports and later sell part of their consignment to the non-franchised outlets.
“Our supplies are usually from multi-national companies participating in the Open Tender System (OTS) and also run the notable retail brand. Since last year, we have been experiencing a tough wholesale market where we have grappled with unrealistic prices or artificial shortages and at times both scenarios have played out,” read a statement by the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya.
Further, sources have indicated to Citizen Digital that the government has failed to keep up with payments to oil marketers off the fuel price stabilization mechanism that came on board in March 2021 forcing the marketers to trim orders on the OTS.
Earlier on Monday, motorists and bodaboda riders in parts of the country including Eldoret were forced to queue at the few petrol stations with fuel stocks as the products' scarcity unfolded.
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